Atenolol is associated with salivary gland dysfunction and sialochemical alterations, along with redox imbalance and structural changes in male rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of atenolol administration on salivary gland structure, redox status, and sialochemical composition in male rats. Male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), aged 90 days, were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group receiving distilled water and an atenolol-treated group receiving 20 mg/kg/day by orogastric gavage for 30 days. On day 31, the animals were anesthetized, saliva was collected, and the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands were harvested for oxidative, morphometric, histopathological, and biochemical analyses. The results showed no systemic changes in plasma parameters. However, atenolol administration was associated with local redox imbalance in salivary glands, accompanied by alterations in salivary biochemistry, including reduced antioxidant capacity and increased pro-oxidant markers (lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation). Morphological analysis revealed acinar atrophy in all glands, as well as reduced stroma and collagen fibers in the parotid and submandibular glands. Sialochemical analysis demonstrated decreased levels of total protein, mucin, and phosphate, along with increased calcium concentration. Atenolol use was associated with sialochemical disturbances and structural alterations in salivary glands, accompanied by inflammatory cell presence and changes in oxidative stress markers in both tissue and saliva, suggesting potential implications for oral health.